Order Perciformes Higher classification Bodianus | Phylum Chordata Family Labridae Scientific name Bodianus diana Rank Species | |
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Similar Wrasse, Bodianus, Split‑level hogfish, Bodianus anthioides, Twospot hogfish | ||
Diana's hogfish, Bodianus diana, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean from the African coast to the Nicobars and the Cocos-Keeling Islands. Reports of its presence in the western Pacific Ocean are erroneous. It occurs on the seaward side of reefs at depths from 6 to 50 m (20 to 164 ft) (though rarely deeper than 25 m (82 ft)). It can reach a length of 16.9 cm (6.7 in). This species is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and is found in the aquarium trade.
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Habitat
Diana’s hogfish is generally found in the Indo-Pacific region including the Red Sea and East Africa towards the Marshall Islands. Juveniles have been observed living among the tentacles of the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis.
Diet
Diana's hogfish feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. Juveniles are known to remove parasites from other fishes.
Utilization
This species is collected for the aquarium trade.